Small Beauty Fixes that Make a Big Difference

Turn your "befores" into "afters" with this simple beauty and fashion advice

Mend a broken Lipstick

Heat both sides of the broken bullet for five to six seconds (the GH Institute suggests using a hair dryer), until the product is pliable. Then press the pieces together -- gently. At the break, rub the sides of the lipstick in a circular motion to smooth and fill in the crack . Finally, put the top on the tube and let it set for 20 minutes in your freezer. Presto! Good as new.

10-Second Nail Repair

When your nails are dull or dingy-looking but you have no time to put on polish, here's a trick: Fake a clean, bright look with a soft, white, linerlike pencil. (To try: Sephora Crayon Blanc, shown.) Rub it under your fingernails as if you were cleaning out dirt with a nail file and you'll soon be looking good.

Where'd Her Bangs Go?

Whether you got a bad trim or are growing out bangs, the right headband can make leaving the house a little easier. The latest versions (like the stretchy ones by Jennifer Behr at left) will give you a look that's chic and anything but "little girl." Or look for a traditional band from Goody.

Slim-Face Secret

Want to look less cherubic, more chiseled? The answer: elongation. Instead of round, square-shaped or stud earrings, wear the dangling, drop kind; instead of chunky necklaces, choose long chains or pendants. And say toodle-oo to turtlenecks -- a V is much more flattering.

Get that Long-Legged Look

Take yourself to new heights -- well, look taller anyway -- by wearing shoes that are the same shade as your pants. The color continuation creates the illusion, even if you're not wearing heels.

Are You a Frizzy Chick?

If you end up with an unsightly halo of fuzz every time you blow-dry, here's how to get control (without making your hair look dirty or shellacked): Mist your hands with hairspray, then cup the crown of your head and press for several seconds to help the short pieces lie down.

Good Housekeeping already has an account with this email address. Link your account to use Facebook to sign in to Good Housekeeping. To insure we protect your account, please fill in your password below.

Your information has been saved and an account has been created for you giving you full access to everything goodhousekeeping.com and Hearst Digital Media Network have to offer. To change your username and/or password or complete your profile, click here.